Sports : Vikings wrap up State baseball season; \'Hendo\' named MVP

Although the first-round loss to eventual state 3A champion Waverly-Shell Rock was a disappointment, Vinton-Shellsburg Viking players can look at the State score sheet and feel good about their performance. Viking pitchers Tyler Rippel and Zach Boisen gave up two earned runs each against the eventual state champion Go-Hawks in the 6-0 W-SR win. But in the next two rounds, W-SR won 12-2 and 11-1, indicating that the Vikings gave the champs their toughest game at State. Coach Jim Struve and the team met on Sunday to review the accomplishments of the 2015 season and look forward to the future. "I'm extremely proud of all the hard work, time, and dedication these young men put in during the regular season," said Struve. "We got great pitching, defense, and some really timely hitting during the regular season, but especially during our post-season run. These guys developed such great team chemistry throughout the season, which was instrumental in creating a confidence in each other that allowed us to earn a trip to the State Tournament." The success was a total "team effort," as every guy on the team made a difference and contributed to its success, says Struve.
"I couldn't be more proud of a team and their achievements," says the coach. MVP Henderson Five years ago, the Vikings were in need of someone to play catcher -- a position that for some teams is at times hard to fill. Aaron Henderson, the only senior on the 2015 team, was an 8th grader at that time. He put on the shin guards, mask and chest protector, and crouched behind home plate for the first time. "It just fit," says the senior, known as "Hendo" to his teammates. Henderson played catcher much of the time throughout his high school and was the starter behind the plate for most of the last two seasons. He received the MVP award in honor of his solid play behind the plate, as well as his timely hitting. His walk-off RBI single won the first district game for the Vikes against South Tama. As the only senior on the team, Henderson was handed the team's State trophy in Des Moines. Listed below are all the VS 2015 Baseball awards:

Most Outstanding Hitter - Aaron Henderson

Most Outstanding Infielder - Scottie Wirth

Most Outstanding Outfielder - Will Edwards & Wes Edwards

Most Outstanding Pitcher - Tyler Rippel & Zach Boisen

Coaches Appreciation Award - Quinton Guenther & Austin Bohnsack

Most Valuable Player - Aaron Henderson